REP. ANDREWS ATTENDS PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS; POINTS TO NEED TO STABALIZE IRAQ, BRING TROOPS  HOME, PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AGAINST ANY PRIVATIZATION

Washington DC - On February 2, 2005, I attended the President’s State of the Union address.  The President set forth his agenda for his second term in office, which included his plans to reform the Social Security Program, as well as an update to the nation on the Administration’s policy in Iraq.  

The solvency of Social Security, the Nation’s retirement fund, is an issue that affects all Americans.  I agree with the President’s assertion that the Social Security system will not have enough money to cover retirement and medical benefits in the future.  However, I disagree with his plan on how to fix it.  His plan makes the problem worse by taking even more money out of the system.  A better plan would be to restrain spending, roll back the tax cuts and put away that money to use for the future. 

Although, the national election in Iraq was the first step toward creating a democratic Iraqi government, the danger posed by the terrorists in Iraq to our troops and the global community is far from over.  As a Member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, I will work in Congress to help improve our military’s intelligence capabilities in Iraq so that our troops may return home safely and to ensure our national security is never compromised.

Social Security and the successful completion of the war in Iraq are two issues that concern every American citizen. The outcome of these issues will affect future generations of Americans as well. As the 109th Congress debates these important issues, please be assured that I will continue to preserve the integrity of the Social Security program and support the completion of Iraq’s stabilization so that our troops may return home.

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